CHINESE EXCHANGE STUDENTS SETTLING IN TO THE SOUTHLAND.

Byline: Eugene Tong Staff Writer

SAUGUS - It hit 15-year-old Li Yuan that he had arrived in America when he stepped inside the eight-seater sport utility vehicle transporting him from Los Angeles International Airport to the Santa Clarita Valley.

``The gear shift is on the side - it's normally in the middle,'' said Li, part of a five-student, one-teacher delegation from the Chinese city of Xi'an that arrived late Wednesday in the William S. Hart Union High School District inaugural exchange program with the People's Republic of China.

``Even the cars are different in America.''

The students will spend a semester at Saugus High - experiencing the United States through classes and life with local host families.

``I feel excited,'' student Long Kong, 15, said. ``Our families are very friendly. I think I will have a comfortable and wonderful life here in Santa Clarita.''

``There are many things I want to learn - customs, culture and education,'' Li said. ``I want to improve my spoken English.''

Hart district officials have plotted the exchange with Gao Xin No. 1 High School for nearly a year. A group of 10 Saugus students is slated to visit in Xi'an next summer, Principal Bill Bolde said Thursday.

``Our hopes are in the year to come, we'll be able to double those numbers,'' he said.

Xi'an (pronounced shee-an,) in the Shaanxi province southwest of Beijing, is known as the home of the terra-cotta warriors, an assembly of nearly 8,000 life-size clay figures buried surrounding the tomb of the first Chinese emperor.

It's miles removed from Santa Clarita, which incorporated as a city in 1987. The students also were struck by the broad boulevards and suburban quiet.

``The streets are wide, and not so many cars - it's different from China,'' Kong said.

``I haven't seen so many walking at night,'' Li said. ``(In Xi'an) at night, a lot of people are walking in the streets.''

The program's estimated cost is roughly $32,900, with the district allocating $19,100. The rest is solicited through grants and local businesses.

Despite the costs, Bolde believes a bit of understanding goes a long way as the United States continues to assess its relationship with the rising Asian power - an ongoing source of excitement and anxiety in the American psyche.

``If we do not recognize China as one of the prime forces on this planet, we're going to fall further behind,'' he said. ``You only have to look at our own backyard to find businesses that have everyday business relationships with China.

``Together, we're stronger. Together, we can solve the world's problems.''

Kong, who just had his first taste of doughnuts - they're a bit sweet for him - agreed.

``I think China and United States are both very good, nice countries,'' he said. ``This exchange program - (we) will get to know each other better and to have a very strong friendship.''

Kong's host is the Belue family. Jackie Belue, a Saugus High senior, recalled how her parents wanted to put their best foot forward for their guest.

``We got a lot of green tea, and we got a little bit of healthier food,'' said Belue, 17. ``This is going to be his first impression of Americans. We want to give Long the best experiences we can as long as we're here - to be the best ambassador for Saugus High School and America as we possibly can.''

Besides classes, the host families are planning a few road trips, including Hollywood, and of course, Disneyland, Bolde said.

Eugene Tong, [phone]

eugene.tong(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) The group of students from a high school in Xi'an pose after their arrival in the United States. The students will spend a semester at Saugus High School.

(2) Students from China pose with a group from Saugus High after flying in. Ten Saugus students are slated to visit Xi'an next summer, said Principal Bill Bolde.